Roles in the new information age: the evolution of the super-agent and the library partnership

Most of us have relied on familiar ways of handling the acquisition process. The process has included using a third party, or subscription agent, to act as the clearing house, or consolidator, for journals, books, and a variety of other materials. Agents have also handled electronic publication formats, such as microfiche and CD-RUMs. With the advent of electronic publishing and the shift from purchase to lease, the familiar models that we have relied upon no longer work as effectively as they once did. Libraries often turn to their subscription agents in the acquisition process for scholarly journals, CD-ROM titles, or newsletters. For libraries the acquisition of electronic journals should be no different.